In acknowledging that Rishabh Pant has had a “major influence” on India’s back-to-back Test series victories in Australia, Australian skipper Pat Cummins emphasized the need of keeping the flashy wicket keeper-batter “quiet” for the forthcoming five-Test series later this year.
The 26-year-old Pant, who was instrumental in India’s historic Test victories in 2018–19 and 2020–21, made an incredible recovery from a terrible automobile accident in December 2022 and scored a second innings century in last week’s first Test against Bangladesh.
“We have to try to keep him quiet because he’s someone that has a big influence in a couple of series,” Cummins stated on Star Sports.
Pant, well-known for his unconventional shots like one-handed flicks and the reverse, has contributed significantly to the last two Test series against Australia.
With a top score of 159 not out, he has scored 624 runs at an excellent average of 62.40 in 12 innings.
In addition to delivering Australia their first loss at the Gabba in thirty-two years, his unbroken 89 in the second innings in 2021 guaranteed India a 2–1 series win.
“A reverse slap is an amazing shot that someone like Rishabh Pant can execute; it’s just a part of who he is. We’ve probably grown a little more accustomed. The 31-year-old pacer contrasted Pant’s assertive style with his compatriots Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.
There are one or two players on every squad that are capable of winning the game. We have individuals like Travis Head and Mitch Marsh, you know. You can very much count on such people to be aggressive. They’re going to take the game on if you miss your region a little,” he continued.
Australia will be looking to defeat India in a Test series for the first time since 2014–15.
The Perth Test, which kicks off the five-match series, is scheduled for November 22.
India and Australia have one of the sport’s most intense rivalries in cricket. With celebrities like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma frequently serving as the main attractions, this competition has provided spectators with innumerable exciting encounters over the years.
However, Australian captain Pat Cummins made an interesting statement ahead of their most recent match: stopping another crucial wheel in India’s engine, rather than keeping Sharma or Kohli quiet, may be the key to defeating them.
The Typical Dangers: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are the names that everyone talk about whenever India plays. These two are renowned cricket players who can swing a match either way on their own. Australia’s problems have long been Rohit (commonly referred to as the ‘Hitman’ for his exquisite yet devastating stroke play) and Kohli (renowned for his aggressive batting style and unequalled ability to chase down goals).
Considering their incredible performances, these two consistently make headlines for the right reasons. They are dangerous because Rohit’s supreme dominance from the top order and Kohli’s ability to steady the innings and pick up speed when needed. However, Cummins thinks one more Indian player may be even more important in the next games.
Pat Cummins’s Attention to a New Objective
Unexpectedly, Pat Cummins has said that Australia should give special attention to a different player in India’s lineup rather than only concentrating on Kohli or Sharma. Which player does Cummins think is more important to remain silent about? It’s none other than India’s talented all-rounder, Hardik Pandya.
Who poses a Threat?
Though he may not be as well-known as Kohli or Sharma, Hardik Pandya has significantly impacted the game. Pandya has become one of the Indian cricket team’s most valuable assets over the last few years. When it counts most, Pandya has never failed to deliver, whether on the pitch, with the bat or with the ball. Cummins has noticed him because of his ability to change the course of the game in a matter of overs. His versatility makes him an important player in any format of the game.
All-Rounders’ Place in Contemporary Cricket
Over time, cricket has changed, and all-rounders now play a bigger and more important role. The days of specialists ruling the scene are long gone. Players who can contribute in various ways are highly valued by teams these days, and Pandya is the perfect example of the modern cricketer. He is an all-around game-changer because of his ability to take precise catches, bowl vital overs, and smash massive sixes.
The Importance of Hardik Pandya Remaining Silent
Retaining Pandya quiet might be crucial for Cummins and his Australian squad to win. Pandya can affect the game in both halves, unlike Sharma or Kohli. With the bat, he can either complete an innings with a barrage of boundaries or change the tide with the ball by breaking crucial partnerships. Because of his versatility and presence in high-pressure situations, Australia will require a well-rounded approach to neutralise him.
The Tactical Approach of Australia
From a tactical perspective, it makes sense to concentrate on restricting Pandya, as Cummins has suggested. Australia’s strategy may include:
- Bowling him tight lines.
- Preventing him from releasing his arms.
- Preventing him from getting close to the strike.
Australia may use slower balls or short-pitched deliveries to attack him in the bowling game and force him into errors.
India’s Depth in the Squad
While Hardik Pandya is a huge threat, India’s strength lies in its depth. Even if Australia succeeds in restricting Pandya, they still have to cope with the likes of Kohli, Sharma, and other rising stars. India’s bench strength guarantees they are never short of options, making it impossible for any opposition to focus on just one player.
Head-to-Head: India against Australia in ICC Tournaments
Australia and India have faced off in multiple ICC tournaments, and their rivalry has produced some amazing moments. Both sides have performed stunning performances, whether in World Cups or Champions Trophies. India has frequently possessed the upper hand recently. Still, Australia, led by Pat Cummins, will attempt to tip the odds in their favour.
Cricket’s Mental Game
Cricket is a mental game beyond its physical aspects. In addition to being talented, players like Pandya, Kohli, and Sharma are also emotionally tough, able to withstand stress and rise to the moment. To win, Australia will have to maintain its mental and physical toughness.
Why Does Hardik Pandya Differ From Others?
Hardik Pandya is remarkable because of his consistency, flexibility in the face of change, and composure under duress. Pat Cummins considers him a serious threat because of his recent performances, demonstrating that he performs best in high-stakes situations.
As Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins has demonstrated since becoming the captaincy for Australia that he is a brilliant bowler and a tactical leader. His choice to target Pandya shows that he has a thorough awareness of India’s advantages and disadvantages. Watching how his team carries out this strategy on the pitch would be intriguing.
The Next Game: What to Look Forward to
With Pat Cummins remarks setting the tone, the forthcoming match between Australia and India looks exciting. The game will be intense, with many strategies both teams will use. Will Cummins’ attention to Pandya be fruitful, or will India’s depth win again?
Fan Anticipations and Press Attention
Fans and the media are already talking about Cummins statement. While Australian fans hope their captain’s plan works, Indian fans will be curious to watch how Pandya handles the scrutiny. Without a question, the game will go down in history.
In summary
While Hardik Pandya needs to be kept quiet, Pat Cummins has acknowledged that Kohli and Sharma are still strong players for India. Pandya’s versatility could prove to be crucial in the forthcoming India-Australia match. All eyes will be on Australia as they prepare to play, particularly regarding how they handle the Pandya factor.
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